The term "Treatment Associated Cancers" is commonly used in the medical field to describe cancers that arise as a result of cancer treatment. The spelling for this term can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as: /ˈtriːtmənt/ /əˈsəʊsiˌeɪtɪd/ /ˈkænsəz/. The first syllable "treat" is pronounced /triːt/ with a long "e" sound, while the second syllable "ment" is pronounced /mənt/. The stress is on the first syllable. The second word "associated" is pronounced /əˈsəʊsiˌeɪtɪd/, with a schwa sound in the first syllable, and the stress on the second syllable. Lastly, "cancers" is pronounced
Treatment Associated Cancers refers to a specific category of cancers that are directly caused or influenced by medical treatments that were used to manage or cure other primary diseases. These treatment modalities primarily include radiation therapy and various forms of chemotherapy.
Treatment Associated Cancers emerge as a result of the unintended consequences of these therapeutic approaches and occur when the normal cells in the body are damaged along with the targeted cancer cells. The subsequent genetic mutations and cellular damages caused by treatment can lead to the development of new cancers in different parts of the body. This results in individuals who have undergone treatments for one type of cancer being at an increased risk of developing secondary cancers later in life.
Although treatment-associated cancers can affect individuals of any age, they are more commonly observed in individuals who have received intense or prolonged treatment, such as pediatric cancer survivors. The types and rates of treatment-associated cancers vary depending on the specific treatment received, the duration and dose of treatment, and the individual's genetic predisposition to cancer.
Monitoring and regular screening play a crucial role in early detection and timely intervention. Oncologists and other medical professionals need to be aware of the potential risks and long-term effects of cancer treatments, ensuring that appropriate follow-up care is provided to patients to minimize the risks associated with developing secondary cancers.